Fire Sprinkler Saves – Summer 2018

LACROSSE, WI (August 10, 2018) – On Thursday, August 9th at 6:47p.m. the La Crosse Fire Department was dispatched to a call at UW-La Crosse for a fire in a dormitory. Upon arrival there was moderate smoke on the first floor of the building. One sprinkler had discharged and extinguished the fire. There was minimal fire and smoke damage. The hall was closed at the time and no students were in the building. The cause of the fire was started by a fan that was being used to dry carpet after cleaning.

CITY OF MADISON, WI (July 3, 2018) – City of Madison firefighters responded to a call at the Mills Street apartment building at 2:21 a.m., July 3, 2018 to find the fire contained by an automatic fire sprinkler. The building’s automatic alarm system indicated water flow in a fourth-floor apartment.

A resident said a hand towel caught fire after coming in contact with a candle. The heat from the fire activated the sprinkler in the bathroom and extinguished the fire. Firefighters shut off the water supply to the sprinkler and assisted with cleanup efforts. Occupants were home at the time and were able to evacuate safely. Due to minimal damage resulting from the incident, residents were able to return home.

Unattended candle use is a leading cause of home fires. Always blow out candles before leaving a room, and leave at least 12 inches of space between candles and other objects that could catch on fire.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (June 17, 2018) – The Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department responded to a call at 11:20 p.m. to the UniFirst Corporation. A fire started in totes containing oily rags, and it spread to a nearby storage shed and forklift. Fire Capt. Bob Barteck said from the point of origin, the fire spread to the building and activated a fire sprinkler. Firefighters completely extinguished the fire.

KENOSHA, WI (June 12, 2018) – The Kenosha Fire Department and Kenosha Police responded to a call that reported smoke in the basement, and the facility’s smoke alarms were activated at the Clairidge House about 6:15 p.m. There was a fire which was contained by a sprinkler system with activation in the bathroom where the fire began. Kenosha Police said the fire appeared to be intentionally set in a garbage can in the basement bathroom. There were no injuries.